Digital label printer adds conventional package printing

Ohio, US-based Orbytel was formerly an all-digital operation dedicated to production of labels, flexible packaging and wide format display work, but has now added the Heidelberg system to provide its customers with a one-stop-shop for packaging with carton production capabilities.

At the center of Orbytel’s investment is a five-color Speedmaster XL 75 with full UV, Prinect Inpress Control in-line color measurement, AutoPlate XL and InkStar automatic ink feed. A Suprasetter 75 CtP unit with workflow has been installed to handle pre-press operations, while a Kama ProCut 74 die-cutting unit provides flexible post-press processing. A special pre-press link between Prinect Prepress Manager and Orbytel’s packaging-specific EskoArtwork workflow provides the company with intelligent JDF connectivity.

Founded in 1964, Orbytel bought its first roll-fed digital press and commenced the in-house production of short-run pressure-sensitive labels in run lengths from 500 to 100,000 with versioning in 2004. It later expanded into flexible and rigid digital wide format display work and flexible film packaging.

The Speedmaster XL 75 UV will enable Orbytel to go after the larger, “meatier” carton and display work the company couldn’t handle with its digital equipment

Orbytel president Mark Uvlin said: ‘We always have been intent on growth. As experts in the product label field, we were ready to expand into the carton market. It was a natural fit. We already knew that many of our customers had channels of distribution for their products and needs across all three of our product lines.’

Given Orbytel’s interest in providing fast, flexible, value-added options to its customers, Heidelberg said the XL 75’s high-end DryStar UV system will help it open the door to new customer segments and profitable growth, including printing on plastic and other non-standard substrates. Fully integrated into the press at the factory, the DryStar UV features CoolCure technology that speeds production, shortens wait times and improves print quality when working with temperature-sensitive materials.

‘UV is the most exciting feature of the new press,' Uvlin said. ‘It also presents a significant learning curve. Our previous experience with UV was limited to flood coating our digital products. Between getting used to our new offset workflow and mastering the art of UV printing, we have a lot of work to do, but we look forward to the challenge and to making the most of the efficiencies we’ve gained. Heidelberg has given us the tools we needed to expand and succeed.’

He added: ‘Anytime you start a new venture or expand product lines and markets, you look for a partner to support your effort. I have tremendous confidence in Heidelberg technology, and feel secure in Heidelberg as the supplier of an integrated solution that includes equipment, plates, chemistry and other supplies, not to mention ongoing access to the best expertise in the business. Heidelberg offers so many valuable services to get its products to market.’